What is still mineral water and how is it different from regular water?
Still mineral water is bottled water without bubbles that comes from a protected underground source and has at least 250 ppm of dissolved solids. Under the FDA bottled water rule, minerals may not be added to mineral water. Regular bottled water has no such minimum. The FDA rule does not define the word "still"; here it means not carbonated.
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In this article
What makes water “mineral water”?
The FDA rule for bottled water (21 CFR 165.110) says water may be called mineral water if it contains not less than 250 parts per million (ppm) of total dissolved solids, comes from one or more bore holes or springs, and originates in a geologically and physically protected underground source. It must keep a constant level and relative proportions of minerals, and no minerals may be added.
What does “still” mean?
The FDA rule we read does not define “still”. In everyday use it means the water is not carbonated. The rule does define “sparkling bottled water” as water that, after treatment, has the same amount of carbon dioxide it had when it came out of the source.
How is it different from regular bottled water?
The FDA defines bottled water as water for drinking, sealed in bottles or other containers, with no added ingredients. The only additions allowed are safe and suitable antimicrobial agents, and fluoride within set limits. Regular bottled water can carry other names the rule defines, such as spring water, artesian water, distilled water or purified water, and none of these needs a minimum mineral level.
| Mineral water TDS | Label statement required |
|---|---|
| Under 500 ppm | “low mineral content” |
| 500 to 1,500 ppm | None |
| Over 1,500 ppm | “high mineral content” |
Does the mineral content mean it is healthier?
We did not open an official source that states a health benefit of mineral water over other bottled water, so we make no such claim. For medical questions about minerals in your diet, ask a doctor or pharmacist.
People also ask
What is still mineral water?
Bottled water without carbonation that comes from a protected underground source and has at least 250 ppm total dissolved solids, with no added minerals (FDA, 21 CFR 165.110).
What is the difference between still and mineral water?
"Still" describes water without bubbles; the FDA rule does not define it. "Mineral water" is a defined name that requires at least 250 ppm dissolved solids from a protected underground source.
Is still mineral water the same as normal bottled water?
No. Bottled water is any drinking water sealed in containers with no added ingredients; mineral water is one defined type with a minimum mineral level.
Sources
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